Hiding Katherine GG Shalton (the read aloud family txt) 📖

Katherine nodded her head. “Yes, of course. I was well along when we married. He hid his birthdate, so he could have a proper birthright as earl. Deanna, you have to promise never to repeat this to anyone.”

“We are sisters, Katherine. I love you and would never tell anyone.” She wiped the tears from Katherine’s cheek. “Does Ian know?”

Katherine took a deep breath and shook her head. “No one knows. Not even Daniel. He adored Alexander and thinks of him as his father.”

“I had no idea. Have you thought about Ian over the years? You were so infatuated with him at one time.”

“Please Deanna, I just found out that my husband is dead.” She closed her eyes trying to wish the guilt away. She loved Ian throughout her whole marriage and never gave herself completely to her husband.

“Forgive me, it’s just that Alexander was always so rigid and possessive. He wouldn’t even let me visit. I worried about what type of husband he was to you.”

“Alexander was a great father and provider. He offered me his name when I was pregnant with another man’s child and for that, I was always grateful.” She wiped her face with her hands thinking about Alexander. “I guess he was a good husband by most standards, but he could be a harsh disciplinarian especially with me and I often disappointed him. I learned over the years how to comply with his demands and to keep his temper at bay.” She rubbed her lips together thinking about her husband. “I don’t wish to speak about any of Alexander’s faults to his children. They never saw the side of him that I did.”

Deanna nodded her head. “Of course. I would never say anything ill of him in front of them.”

“Thank you, Sister. I guess you will have me as a houseguest for a bit longer. Hopefully, Dorian will be back soon with news.”

“I love having you here with me after being separated for so long.”

A few weeks later, Katherine sat at the window ledge as she did most days since Daniel left hoping for news. Dorian had not been heard from and she prayed that he received Deanna’s missive about the boys going to avenge Alexander’s death. Every day she prayed for their safe return. The only news she had heard was that Alexander was buried in the garden of their estate in Edinburgh. She hoped to visit the grave as soon as she could.

“Mama! We are supposed to go riding today with Joseph. I need to wear a different dress.”

Katherine glanced at Mary and laughed to herself seeing how her daughter closely resembled her as a little girl, hands on hips and all. “Very well, love. Let’s pick out something that will help you ride better than your sisters.”

The little girl smiled satisfied at her mother’s reply.

“Katherine! Riders are coming.” Deanna appeared at the door with reddened cheeks slightly out of breath. The blood drained from Katherine’s face and they both ran to the bailey to see who it was. Mary ran after the women worry written all over her face.

Deanna rushed out the front door and embraced Dorian as he came through the gates. Katherine frantically searched the men’s faces looking for Daniel. She spotted James behind his father and collapsed and kneeled on the ground. James ran to her and put his hand on her back. “Aunt Katherine, he is not dead. He has been captured.”

Dorian came up with Deanna on his arm. “Katherine, I am sending word to the king as we speak to see if we can negotiate his release.”

Katherine took short gasps of air and begged, “Please tell me what happened.” Mary started crying and Katherine reached for her, holding her to her chest.

Dorian ran his fingers through his hair frustrated. “We found the boys on the ridge entering into one of the rebel’s camps. Daniel killed one of the guards and was captured. They did not kill him yet, but he is going to a rebel’s prison camp. We kept his identity a secret as the Earl of Barragan. I will not lie to you, if they find out he is an earl, they will kill him. We need to get word to the king as soon as possible.”

Katherine shook her head in disagreement. “We don’t have time for that. I will go.”

All of them cried in unison. “No!”

“I will beg to speak to Ian. He will hear me.”

James looked at his parents apparently confused by her outrageous statement “Aunt Katherine, Ian Travis is a savage—he will kill you before he hears you.”

Dorian softened his tone, “He is not the same man you once knew. He doesn’t even speak to his family. Prison changed him, and he is no longer the same. He is ruthless as ever and without mercy. He won’t see you, Katherine. Even if he does, he will kill you and your son.”

Katherine stared at Dorian for a moment. “I appreciate your concern. But I am not asking you. I am leaving. I would request an escort, but if you won’t provide one, then I will go alone.”

Deanna cleared her throat interrupting their exchange. “She is right, Dorian. Katherine must try. I would for my son and so would you.”

Dorian let out a frustrated breath. “I don’t like it, but I won’t deny you. Let me rest a few hours and I will take you. The rebels camp will take us around five days to reach.”

Mary whimpered, “I don’t want you to go, Mama. I don’t want you to die.”

Katherine smoothed her hair comforting. “I know this man, Mary. He will not kill me. Don’t you want me to get Daniel?”

Mary nodded. “Yes, Mama. Can I go with you?”

Katherine kissed her forehead. “Not this time, my love. I need you to take care of your older sisters. They are not as strong as you.”

“That’s true, Mama. I will take care of them. Please come home as soon as you can.”